What Is Mercer Illness?

Were you looking for information about MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) Infection? "What is mercer illness?" is a common misspelling used when searching for information on MRSA.

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type bacteria that can cause a skin infection similar in appearance to a pimple or a boil. Depending on the severity of the illness, the affected skin may also be red, swollen, warm, painful, and have pus or other drainage. MRSA is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection.

Antibiotics are used to treat MRSA (in serious cases, antibiotics may need to be administered through an IV). To help the tissue heal more quickly, a healthcare provider may also make a cut in the skin to drain the infected fluid.

(For a closer look at this topic, click MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) Infection. This article discusses who this illness affects, additional symptoms, and more. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)